Sermons That Exalt Christ

The preaching of God’s Word is central to the life of the church. Tom's pulpit ministry is dedicated to providing clear, biblical teaching to equip believers, strengthen faith, and exalt Christ.

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2 Corinthians
An Aerial View of the New Testament
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2016-04-03

The Implications of Justification - Part 1

Pastor Tom Pennington's sermon on Romans 3:27-31, "The Implications of Justification (Part 1)," explores the profound consequences of justification by faith alone, serving as crucial "cross-checks" for understanding God's salvation. The primary implication is that justification by faith fundamentally excludes all human boasting. Pennington explains that sinful pride in one's merits, morality, knowledge, or religious rituals (like the Pharisee in Luke 18 or Paul before Christ in Philippians 3) is incompatible with God's plan. God designed salvation this way�through grace and faith, not works�so that He alone receives glory and refuses to share it (Isaiah 48:11; Ephesians 2:8-9). He chose the "foolish" and "weak" of the world precisely so no one could boast before Him (1 Corinthians 1). Romans 3:27 contrasts a "law of works" (human effort) with a "law of faith," arguing only the latter silences boasting because humans contribute nothing. Pennington defends Luther's "faith alone" interpretation of Romans 3:28, stating it captures Paul's intent despite the word "alone" not being explicitly in the Greek.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2016
2016-03-27

Jesus Will Cost You Everything!

Preaching from Mark 8:34-38, Pastor Tom Pennington asserts that following Jesus "will cost you everything," challenging the prevalent "pop Christian gospel" of cheap grace. Jesus, having predicted His necessary suffering, death, and resurrection as a ransom for sins, outlines three non-negotiable conditions for true discipleship, applicable to all. First, one must "deny himself," renouncing the old self and approaching Christ as a spiritual beggar, embodying true repentance. Second, "take up his cross daily," signifying a willingness to value Jesus above one's own life, embracing potential death, shame, or persecution for His sake. Third, "follow Me," submitting to His will, prioritizing His Kingdom, and obeying His commands as Lord and Teacher. This "high cost of discipleship" is presented as a brilliant investment. It�s the only path to eternal salvation; gaining the world means nothing if one forfeits their invaluable soul. Ultimately, Jesus, the one making these demands, will be the final judge. Therefore, true Christianity requires this total, ongoing commitment, moving beyond superficial or cultural faith.

Tom Pennington
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Passion Week Sermons
2016
2016-03-20

Found Righteous - Part 6

The provided text, based on Romans 3:21-31, explains "penal substitution," asserting that Jesus stood in humanity's place, paying the penalty for breaking God's law. This passage is central to understanding the gospel, outlining five truths about justification: it's God's divine plan, received by faith in Christ alone, imperative for all people (as "all have sinned"), flows from God's grace, and is achieved solely through Christ's work, specifically "redemption" and "propitiation." Propitiation is the heart of Christ's cross-work, signifying the satisfaction and turning away of God's righteous wrath against sin. This act was initiated by God's love, defined by Christ's substitution (drinking the cup of wrath intended for us), and realized through His violent death�His innocent blood serving as the perfect sacrifice. Crucially, propitiation is only appropriated by faith, not automatically applied. The most important insight is that propitiation was required by God's character to vindicate His justice. Without Christ's death, God could not have justly extended common grace (sparing and blessing sinners) or declared ungodly sinners righteous. Christ's crucifixion satisfied God's justice, allowing Him to be both perfectly just and the justifier of those who believe. The cross profoundly displays both God's love and His justice.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2016
2016-03-20

A Bold Proposal - Part 2

This sermon, "Ruth: A Bold Proposal (Part 2)" from Ruth 3:1-18, delves into Naomi's wise and biblical plan for Ruth to secure her future through marriage to Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer. Having previously experienced devastating consequences from her own human schemes, Naomi now relies on God's Word, applying the Mosaic Law of levirate marriage. Ruth, demonstrating humble obedience and steadfast love (hesed) for Naomi and God, follows instructions to approach Boaz at the threshing floor, proposing marriage by asking him to "spread his covering" over her. Boaz, recognizing Ruth's noble character and selfless motives, blesses her and accepts her proposal. He reveals a complication: a closer relative has the first right of redemption. Nevertheless, Boaz reassures Ruth with an oath, vowing to marry her if the other kinsman declines, demonstrating his integrity and desire. He then sends Ruth back to Naomi with a generous gift of barley, protecting her reputation. Naomi, trusting Boaz's commitment and God's providence, advises Ruth to wait patiently for the matter to be resolved.

Tom Pennington
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Ruth
2016
2016-03-13

Found Righteous - Part 5

The sermon "Found Righteous (Part 5)" from Romans 3:21-31 explains that Old Testament animal sacrifices served as vivid "pictures" demonstrating that sinful humanity can only approach a holy God through sacrifice. These intensely personal rituals symbolized transferring guilt to an innocent substitute and were meant to be a "soothing aroma to the LORD," quieting His just wrath against sin. This principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ's crucifixion, which was primarily a divine transaction between the Father and the Son. Central to the Gospel and Paul's explanation of justification, Christ's work is described through "redemption" (a ransom paid to God for our sins) and "propitiation." Propitiation means the satisfaction or turning away of God's wrath. Despite its unpopularity, scripture consistently portrays humanity as living under God's righteous anger. This propitiation was initiated by God the Father, driven by His unfathomable love for humanity (1 John 4:10). Christ, out of His equally profound love, willingly volunteered to be the substitute, enduring the full "cup of wrath" that sinners deserved. This act meant He bore God's just anger in our place. For believers, this signifies freedom from condemnation, as Christ drained every drop of wrath.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2016
2016-03-06

Found Righteous - Part 4

In a sermon on Romans 3:21-31, Pastor Tom Pennington addresses the profound concept of justification by faith�how a just God declares sinners righteous. He introduces this by contrasting a humorous, frivolous lawsuit (the Pepsi Harrier jet) with the repulsion felt at true injustice, setting the stage for the gospel's seemingly incongruous teaching: God declares the guilty righteous and free from the penalty they deserve. Pennington outlines foundational truths about justification: it's God's divine plan, appropriated by faith in Christ alone, and imperative for all humanity because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The sermon primarily emphasizes that justification flows entirely from God's grace alone. It is a gift given "without a cause in us," rooted in God's attribute of finding joy in doing good to those who deserve only bad, thus removing all human contribution to salvation. Finally, he introduces that justification is accomplished by Christ's work alone, specifically through "redemption," where Christ's blood and death served as the payment to God, freeing humanity from His wrath and eternal punishment, enabling God to be both just and the justifier.

Tom Pennington
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Romans
2016

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